Congo Plane Crash: Minister and Top Officials Escape Unhurt in Kolwezi Runway Fire
A serious plane crash occurred at Kolwezi Airport in the Democratic Republic of the Congo on Monday, with dramatic video capturing a passenger jet bursting into flames upon landing. The aircraft, an Embraer ERJ-145LR operated by Airjet Angola (registration D2-AJB), was carrying Congo’s Mines Minister Louis Watum Kabamba and several senior government officials from Kinshasa to Lualaba province.
Incident Details
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The plane reportedly lost control after touching down on runway 29 and skidded off the runway before overturning.
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The main landing gear failed, causing the aircraft to veer off the paved surface. The jet came to rest off the runway, and a fierce fire quickly broke out at the rear of the plane, engulfing the entire tail section.
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Emergency services and bystanders rushed to the scene; all passengers, including the minister and his delegation, were able to evacuate seconds before flames intensified.
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No injuries or casualties were reported among crew or passengers, but the rear part of the aircraft was completely destroyed by fire.
Investigation and Aftermath
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Civil aviation authorities have begun an investigation into the crash, examining potential causes such as mechanical failure, human error, or poor runway conditions.
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Ministry officials confirmed the minister is safe and already undergoing precautionary medical checks along with others from his team.
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The minister was traveling to Kolwezi following a tragic mining accident in the region and has since resumed his duties, unaffected by the incident.
Additional Context
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Video and eyewitness accounts highlight the chaos, with rescue teams and airport staff acting swiftly to douse the flames and evacuate those onboard.
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The jet’s destruction is total, and the authorities are working to determine whether technical malfunction or local runway issues played a role in the event.
This high-profile crash has drawn significant attention given the presence of prominent political figures, but prompt evacuation procedures ensured there was no loss of life.